Azad Oommen may not be a household name, but he’s quietly shaping education on a global scale. As a co‑founder of Global School Leaders (GSL), he empowers school leadership in underserved communities around the world. He’s also the husband of actress Poorna Jagannathan—star of The Night Of, Big Little Lies, and Never Have I Ever.
Quick Profile: Azad Oommen
| Field | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Azad Oommen | Publicly known as an education advocate |
| Birth Year | (Not publicly disclosed) | Likely born in early 1970s |
| Nationality | Indian‑American | Of Asian ethnicity |
| Education | B.A. in International Economics (Georgetown), M.P.A. (Princeton) | |
| Profession | Co‑Founder & former CEO, Global School Leaders | |
| Previous Roles | Exec Director at Central Square Foundation; Fellowship leadership roles | |
| Board / Advisory Role | Central Square Foundation, Saarthi Education, Impact Innovators Foundation | |
| Marital Status | Married to Poorna Jagannathan since 2003 | Private ceremony in Kerala, India |
| Children | One son, Anav (Dev) (born ~2006) | |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California area (also in New York previously) |
Azad grew up in Kerala, India, and later moved to the U.S. to pursue higher studies. He earned a B.A. in International Economics from Georgetown University and went on to receive a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School. His academic journey shaped his passion for education equity.
Career & Mission in Education
Founding Global School Leaders
In 2017, Azad co‑founded Global School Leaders (GSL), a nonprofit dedicated to training effective school leaders in underserved communities worldwide. GSL has worked in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Brazil, reaching over 1,000 schools and more than 300,000 students through local leadership institutions.
Prior Leadership Work
He served as the founding Executive Director of India’s Central Square Foundation (CSF), focused on improving student learning through systemic reforms. He also directed leadership programs for:
- Clinton Fellowship for Service in India
- Clinton Democracy Fellowship at City Year in South Africa
- Mickey Leland Hunger Fellows Program in the U.S.
Advisory Roles
Azad serves on advisory boards for Central Square Foundation, Saarthi Education, and Impact Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation (Villgro USA).
Family Life with Poorna Jagannathan
Azad and Poorna Jagannathan met early in their careers and married on January 11, 2003, in Kerala, India. They have a son, Anav (also called Dev), born around 2006. The couple maintains a private and grounded life in Los Angeles, where their home reflects their shared roots—full of colors, memories, and cultural touches from India and Kerala.
How Is Azad Impacting Education Now?
With GSL, Azad has helped build a global network connecting local nonprofit leaders in education. By supporting training, funding, and knowledge-sharing, GSL aims to develop strong leadership that drives better student learning in marginalized communities worldwide. His advocacy and thought leadership appear in respected platforms such as World Bank Blogs and Devex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Azad Oommen?
A: An Indian‑American education leader, co‑founder and former CEO of Global School Leaders, married to actress Poorna Jagannathan.
Q: What educational background does Azad have?
A: A Bachelor’s in International Economics from Georgetown University and Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University.
Q: What does Global School Leaders do?
A: GSL builds and supports local school‑leader training institutions in underserved countries including India, Kenya, Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Q: Does Azad serve on any boards?
A: Yes, on boards/advisory councils at Central Square Foundation, Saarthi Education, and Villgro USA.
Q: How long have Azad and Poorna been married?
A: Since 2003, over two decades.
Q: Do they have kids?
A: They have one son, Anav (or Dev).
Final Thoughts
Azad Oommen may stay out of the spotlight, but his work speaks volumes. He is a champion for educational equity, building leadership capacity where it matters most. Alongside a loving family life with Poorna Jagannathan, Azad balances impact-driven work with quiet strength and purpose.
Whether you’re searching for Azad Oommen bio, Global School Leaders co‑founder, or Poorna Jagannathan husband, you now have a full picture—simple, clear, and meaningful.